RUGBY Swimming Club’s Masters artistic team came away from the prestigious LEN European Aquatics Championships with a bronze medal and several personal best scores after a terrific showing in Rome, Italy.
The competition took place at the Olympic Park in a specially constructed pool made from a former Olympic tennis court in what was the biggest event the Masters team had competed in.
And the team were allowed to train in their hotel pool in the run up to the event much to the delight and entertainment of international holidaymakers.
The competition was held over a number of days as Ruth MacCallum and Joyce Williams performed a magical technical and free routine in duets to win bronze in the 60 to 69 category as the pair wowed judges with their ‘Dolls’ theme with a high score for artistic impression.
And Julie Bowler-Smith and Sandra Anstruther also entered with a technical and free routine as they achieved a personal best score in the 40 to 49 age group with their ‘Romeo and Juliet’ themed routine.
A team personal best score was achieved in their combination routine ‘Dreams’ in the 40 to 64 year age group with Anstruther, Bowler-Smith, Annette Parker, MacCallum, Cathie Reekie, Alson Richardson and Williams all part of the team.
The athletes delivered an impeccable routine, having improved hugely over the past 12 months, to swim faster and in a more modern style which challenged them ahead of the biggest competition they have entered.
And the coaches were Dawn Broad, Meredith Whiting and Anna Kempson with the former also acting as Costume Designer with Whiting leading the choreography.
Bowler-Smith said: “It is literally and metaphorically the biggest event we have ever competed in. It was a really special occasion in an impressive venue which, despite being incredibly nervous, we thoroughly enjoyed participating in.
MacCallum added: “We felt so privileged to be competing against former Olympic and National athletes from around Europe.”
The athletes have now set their sights on further developing their routines as they attempt to improve their personal best scores at the Masters National Championships in November.
